December 27, 2023 – The variety of pressing care facilities continues to rise. In line with the Pressing Care Affiliation, there are greater than 14,000 such facilities within the US (not together with retail clinics), and the present progress fee for brand new facilities is 7%. Greater than 78% of the U.S. inhabitants lives inside a 10-minute drive of an pressing care middle. As such, they characterize a rising distribution alternative. And they’re getting larger and larger by means of consolidation.

Pressing care bridges the hole between major care and emergency care, offering analysis and look after pressing, however not emergent, situations, in accordance with the UCA. This contains treating minor burns, scrapes and cuts, in addition to treating situations similar to allergic reactions, ear infections and strep throat. Healthcare quantity will be seasonal and sometimes peaks in late fall and winter throughout respiratory season, which correlates with the depth of influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and different respiratory diseases.

Most facilities stabilize and deal with fractures and supply on-site x-ray, laboratory and laboratory companies. The place state regulation permits, many facilities present generally prescribed prepackaged medicines. They don’t take care of life-threatening conditions or limbs, however they do stabilize sufferers and supply emergency transport. Most pressing care facilities make use of physicians skilled by major care physicians and emergency physicians, in addition to licensed well being care professionals, together with doctor assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and radiology technicians.

Pressing care facilities provide laboratory testing, each on-site and that may be shipped to regional or nationwide laboratories, UCA says. Examples of obtainable assessments embrace blood testing companies similar to full blood rely, complete metabolic profile, diabetes assessments (hemoglobin A1c, fingerstick glucose), urine being pregnant, urinalysis, speedy throat tradition, and speedy flu assessments. Facilities additionally provide routine tuberculosis testing; drug screening on urine, hair and saliva; and cultures for STDs and urinary tract infections.

Learn extra within the newest subject of The Journal of Healthcare Contracting.